The Living One - Week 20: Set Free!

Scripture: Acts 12, John 14:27, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Peter 1:11 Even in darkness and apparent defeat, Scripture assures us of this truth: We win because God wins, and He will bring that victory to its final fulfillment on the day our Lord Jesus returns. This teaching is taken from Acts 12. It is a story of Peter being set free from prison chains by an angel, but also set free from the destructive thoughts and emotions and feelings that can rise up inside us during challenging times. Peter shows us how to hold on tight to what we know about God and let Him carry us through difficult times. In uncertain and challenging times, this story teaches us that, like Peter, we are: 
1. Set Free from fear - Peter was at peace, sleeping between two guards, not fearing the imminent death sentence awaiting him, when the angel came to rescue him. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 
2. Set Free from worry - Peter knew the Lord cared for him. Peter knew the Lord was at work in his life and that God had a plan and that plan is that God will win in the end! Peter did as the verse says, "Cast all your anxieties on God because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 We can rest in God's arms - at peace - because Jesus is our Victor! 
3. Set Free from despair - Peter was at peace, not wringing his hands in despair or saying how can this be happening to me… Peter understood that God is in control and that God would give him everything needed to get through the trial. 1 Peter 5:10 "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 
4. Set Free from death, both the fear of death and the finality of death. We are, like Peter, to face our days with confidence and assurance. Heaven/life forever with God is a promise through our faith in His Son Jesus Christ. 
God setting Peter free still speaks to us today - Our God sets us free, too! Cling to the Lord Jesus for dear life! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.